Lisbon deal would weaken our hand

EOIN RYAN MEP (Letters, May 5), while desperately trying to convince voters to support the Lisbon Treaty, effectively gave them the most compelling reason for voting against it.

He pointed out that “there have always been issues of concern to Ireland within a European context”, suggesting that a yes or no vote will not change any of that.

Yes, there are powerful lobby groups in Europe looking at the feasibility of this and that issue, including harmonisation, farming and fishing rights, the rights of workers, women’s rights and other human rights issues like abortion, euthanasia, cloning, etc.

And yes, we agree with Mr Ryan when he says “we need to address these issues in Europe from a position of strength and not from one of weakness”.

That, in point of fact, is the most compelling reason for voting no because the treaty actually changes our position from one of strength to one of weakness.

We lose our voice at the decision-making table (no Irish commissioner for five out of every 15 years).

We lose our right to choose our commissioner for the other 10 years (we can only suggest a few names — they will decide).

We lose our right to say no (veto) in 68 new policy areas.

We lose huge voting power in the Council of Ministers.

And don’t try to tell us the so-called people’s initiative actually gives power to the people. It offers nothing more than the right to whinge to the EU.

Lisbon is all about surrendering our powers — lots of them — and so if we really want to address any issue from a position of strength, then commonsense would indicate we vote no.

Nora Bennis

16 Revington Park

North Circular Road

Limerick